Ol' Blue Eyes always put a little something extra into songs that really meant something to him, and the music of the holidays clearly held a special place in his heart. While he recorded many of the titles on this collect... more &raquoion before, Sinatra's diehard fans will certainly want to hear these alternate versions of well-known recordings such as "Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town" and "White Christmas." It's also heartwarming to hear that one-of-a-kind voice matched to the regal backing of "Adeste Fideles" and the crystalline choir that joins him on an impassioned reading of "The Lord's Prayer." An interesting set, but probably best suited for completists. --David Sprague&laquo less

Synopsis

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Ol' Blue Eyes always put a little something extra into songs that really meant something to him, and the music of the holidays clearly held a special place in his heart. While he recorded many of the titles on this collection before, Sinatra's diehard fans will certainly want to hear these alternate versions of well-known recordings such as "Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town" and "White Christmas." It's also heartwarming to hear that one-of-a-kind voice matched to the regal backing of "Adeste Fideles" and the crystalline choir that joins him on an impassioned reading of "The Lord's Prayer." An interesting set, but probably best suited for completists. --David Sprague

CD Reviews

A bobby soxer Christmas

Johnny Heering | Bethel, CT United States | 11/27/2004

(3 out of 5 stars)

"This is a collection of Christmas songs by Young Blue Eyes, by his first record label, Columbia. Sinatra certainly had a good voice, but he hadn't quite developed the great phrasing that he later became famous for. Also, the arrangements of the songs aren't really all that interesting. For some reason, a lot of the songs are alternate takes, instead of the master takes. There is also a "V-Disc" and three songs performed live on the radio. This is a decent enough collection, but Sinatra's later Christmas recordings are better."

Early Sinatra Sings

F. Hagan | Raleigh, North Carolina, USA | 12/06/2004

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Before he was the Chairman of the Board and made words like cool and swingin' synonymous with himself, Frank Sinatra was a skinny young singer working as a Columbia Records recording artist attempting to follow in the footsteps of his personal heroes like Bing Crosby. He was yet to have his fall from popularity, his return to prominence or attain his eternal hepcat status at the centerpiece of the Rat Pack. "Christmas Songs By Sinatra"-released once again for the holidays-collects all of the smooth holiday standards recorded by the young king of cool during his Columbia Records period. Enjoy lovely classics like "White Christmas," and "Silent Night, Holy Night." Don't be shocked, or even mildly surprised by the fact that this album never decides to swing. This would be the wrong recording period for that kind of originality in Sinatra's Yuletide cheer. No, this set of tracks celebrates the great Christian Christmas standards, from "Jingle Bells" to "Joy To The World." If you love a traditional lilt to your Christmas music, this would be the collection for you. The liner notes in the accompanying booklet are excellent, relating the history of the recordings and giving their appropriate release time stamp-a real treat for music aficionados. Placed alongside Rat Pack Christmas singles, this album allows the listener to chart the growth of a singer, and honestly enjoy some great music. "